Apparatus and methods for connector torque sleeve

ABSTRACT

A torque sleeve for a connector includes a slip ring, a torque ring, a torque spring, and an outer shell. The slip ring includes at least one axial movement inhibiting structure, and a plurality of first teeth having a first sawtooth pattern disposed in an axial direction of the torque sleeve. The torque ring includes at least one radial movement inhibiting structure, and a plurality of second teeth having a second sawtooth pattern disposed in an axial direction of the torque sleeve facing the plurality of first teeth. The torque spring is configured to apply a spring force against the torque ring to encourage movement of the torque ring toward the slip ring. The outer shell is configured to house the slip ring, the torque ring, and the torque spring within the torque sleeve.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/257,040, filed on Jan. 24, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.11,040,437, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/621,428, filed Jan. 24, 2018, and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/672,374, filed May 16, 2018.Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure relates generally to connector devices, andmore particularly, to external torque sleeves for threaded connectors.

Many conventional structures employ fasteners such as nuts, bolts,screws, etc. (hereinafter, “connector”) that surround or are fixed to aportion of a first structure, and enable the attachment of the firststructure to a complementary attachment portion of a second structure bythe application of torque to connector to fixedly engage the secondstructure. For example, coaxial cables typically include, at an endportion of the cable, a conventional threaded connector known as anF-connector (also referred to as “F-type connector”). The F-connector isconventionally utilized on radio frequency (RF) coaxial cables tofixedly connect the cable to a threaded receiving post, or similarengagement connection, on a customer premises equipment (CPE) device,such as a cable junction box, modem, television, or othercable-receiving devices. The conventional F-connectors generally includea threaded connection sleeve surrounded by an external hexagonal nut ofa standardized size, which may be screwed onto a similarly-threaded postby human fingers for most indoor applications.

However, the standard size of conventional F-connectors makes it oftendifficult for human fingers to apply sufficient torque to screw/unscrewthe F-connector onto the relevant mating structure. This difficulty isoften compounded by the attachment of a long cable to the F-connector,which prevents placement of human fingers over the connector to firmlyscrew it around the complementary mating threads. Additionally,F-connectors that initially might be easily attached easily by hand,later might later be difficult to detach after a significant period oftime. Furthermore, even where the average consumer/end user is able toconnect undo attach the F-connector easily by hand, the consumer cannoteasily determine the proper amount of torque to apply to the attachment,thereby risking damage to the equipment/device from over-torquing, orthe ingress and egress of RF signals onto the RF cable fromunder-torquing.

In contrast, outdoor F-connector attachments are typically subject tomore extreme environmental conditions, such as heat and cold that maycause the metal structure of the F-connector to more significantlyexpand and contract. Outdoor connections are also at risk fromprecipitation seeping into the connection, which may also result inundesirable RF signal ingress/egress. It is therefore important to beeasily able to apply sufficient torque to the F-connector attachment inoutdoor applications without damaging the attachment. However, it isdesirable that technicians are more easily able to install (e.g., byhand) the F-connectors in outdoor applications without requiring specialtools, such as a wrench.

One conventional solution to the over-torquing/under-torquing problem isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,525, which describes a torqueapplication device for applying a predetermined maximum torque toF-connector. This conventional torque application device is placedaround the hex nut of the F-connector, and includes a collar, a grip,and a slip mechanism, which collectively allow a user to applysufficient torque to the F-connector by hand without exceeding a maximumtorque amount. The slip mechanism includes opposing triangular toothstructures that slip away from one another after the maximum torqueamount has been reached, at which point an audible or visual indicatoralerts the user that the torque amount has been applied.

One difficulty with this conventional torque application device though,is that the slip mechanism allows the triangular teeth to slip in bothdirections. That is, once the predetermined amount of torque has beenreached, which prevents over-torquing, the triangular tooth patterned ofthat same slip mechanism prevents the user from applying sufficienttorque in the opposite direction (i.e., from the friction from the fixedattachment) to unscrew the F-connector when desired. Accordingly, it isdesirable to provide a convenient torque application device for anF-connector which allows a user to easily attach the connector by handwithout over-torquing, but which also allows the user to easily detachthe connector when desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a torque sleeve for a connector includes a slip ring,a torque ring, a torque spring, and an outer shell. The slip ringincludes at least one axial movement inhibiting structure, and aplurality of first teeth having a first sawtooth pattern disposed in anaxial direction of the torque sleeve. The torque ring includes at leastone radial movement inhibiting structure, and a plurality of secondteeth having a second sawtooth pattern disposed in an axial direction ofthe torque sleeve facing the plurality of first teeth. The torque springis configured to apply a spring force against the torque ring toencourage movement of the torque ring toward the slip ring. The outershell is configured to house the slip ring, the torque ring, and thetorque spring within the torque sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary torque sleeveand an F-connector, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary combination of the torquesleeve and F-connector depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an alternative exploded perspective view of the torque sleeveand F-connector depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is perspective view of an exemplary combination of the torquesleeve and F-connector depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a disassembled side view of an exemplary torque sleeve, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a partial cutaway perspective view of an exemplary internalstructure of the torque sleeve depicted in FIG. 3, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 4B depicts an operational structural configuration of the internalstructure depicted in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an exploded sectional view of the torque sleeve depicted inFIG. 3 and the F-connector depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of an exemplary combination of the torquesleeve and F-connector depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled perspective view of an alternativetorque sleeve and an F-connector, in accordance with an embodiment.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant toillustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure. These featuresare believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems including oneor more embodiments of this disclosure. As such, the drawings are notmeant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinaryskill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made toa number of terms, which shall be defined to have the followingmeanings.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are notto be limited to the precise value specified. In at least someinstances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision ofan instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout thespecification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/orinterchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

In an exemplary embodiment, an advanced torque sleeve enables afastener, such as an F-connector, to be easily screwed onto a matingfitting that is threaded to fixedly connect with the F-connector. Theadvanced torque sleeve easily allows the F-connector to be screwed ontothe attachment by a single hand up to a maximum desired torque, andeasily detached in reverse, when desired. In the exemplary embodiment,the advanced torque sleeve is configured to enable F-connector slideinto the torque sleeve in a guided fashion such that an interiordimension generally corresponds to an outer dimension of the F-connectorto secure the F-connector within the torque sleeve to allow rotation ofthe hex nut by rotation of the torque sleeve, but without rotating theattached cable that protrudes out the opposite end of the torque sleeve.The front portion of the F-connector will be secured within the torquesleeve such that the front portion is substantially flush with aterminal end of the torque sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a slide-on torque sleeve for an F-connectorslide is configured to slide onto and over a terminal end of a cableF-connector. By this configuration, the fitted torque sleeve slides ontocable F-connectors to enable a consumer to properly torque the connectorto the respective CPE device. The consumer would then be enabled to muchmore easily remove/detach and reinstall/reattach the cable to the CPEdevice(s) while still maintaining the proper torque upon theF-connector. Maintenance of the proper torque well will reduce the riskof outside interference signals from getting onto the cable plant.

The present torque sleeve is advantageous over conventional designs inthat the embodiments described herein provides a unidirectional toothmechanism that allows functional torque slippage in only one direction,while providing full torque in the opposite direction with no slippage.This structural configuration represents a significant improvement overconventional torque application devices using spring clutches orsymmetrical (e.g., triangular) teeth, which are useful to preventover-torquing, but are problematic when detaching an F-connectorattachment. In contrast, the present embodiments are capable of allowingslippage when a predetermined torque amount is reached in an attachmentof direction, but locking an inner ring of the torque sleeve whenloosening/detaching the attachment to easily remove the F-connector fromthe CPE when desired. Conventional devices are not capable of locking inone direction; the torque-slippage functionality exists in both thewinding and unwinding directions.

The present embodiments thus further advantageous over conventionaldevices with respect to the ability to address instances ofover-torquing an F-connector onto a CPE. The conventional apparatuseswould be unable to overcome the friction of the over-torqued connection,and the opposing teeth or clutch of the conventional designs would slipagainst each other when an effort is made to detach the connection. Insuch cases, the conventional torque application device would have to beremoved from the cable/F-connector, and the connection unscrewed using awrench or similar tool. The innovative design of the present embodimentsthough, do not sacrifice any of the advantageous features of theconventional designs, and particularly with respect to the ability toattach to the F-connectors before or after the F-connector is fixed tothe cable, or the ability to be integrated with an F-connector as aunitary device prior to attachment to a cable. Different from theconventional devices, however, in some embodiments, the present torquesleeve may be employed onto an existing attachment of an F-connector toa CPE, that is, after the attachment has already been made (e.g., asnap-fit around the attached cable and/or F-connector.

The present torque sleeve therefore advantageously enables the end useror technician to properly apply the correct torque to the cableF-connector, while eliminating the risk of over-torquing connector,which may damage the CPE, or under-torquing the connector, which mayallow undesirable ingress and egress of RF signals onto the RF cable. Inexemplary embodiments, the present torque sleeve is installed on theF-connector by slipping over the F-connector until engaged onto andsecurely gripping the connector. Once engaged, the torque sleeve enableseasy installation of the F-connector onto the CPE, due to the torquesleeve having a larger diameter than the standard-size F-connector,which allows the user to easily tighten (or loosen) the connectorwithout the use of a wrench or other similar special tool.

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary torque sleeve100 and an F-connector 102. More particularly, the illustration depictedin FIG. 1A represents a case of torque sleeve 100 prior toimplementation onto F-connector 102. In this example, F-connector 102includes a rotatable hex nut 104, and F-connector 102 has already beenfixedly attached onto a coaxial cable 106. Torque sleeve 100 includes anouter shell 108, which may be a unitary structure formed from a rigid,durable material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, combinations thereof,etc.), or may be formed as an assembly of several shell subcomponentsfixedly joined together, such as by adhesive, welding, snap-fit, etc. Inthis example, outer shell 108 is illustrated to be formed from twosubstantially symmetrical shell halves 110 a and 110 b, and is generallycylindrical. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, outer shell 108 may benon-cylindrical for all or some of its length.

In an exemplary embodiment, outer shell 108 includes a forward portion112 and a rearward portion 114. For the purposes of this discussion,“forward” refers to the relative disposition of torque sleeve 100 withrespect to the CPE (not shown) to which attachment is desired, and“rearward” refers to the direction of cable 106 leading away from theCPE. In this example, a gripping structure 116 is provided on rearwardportion 114, and includes a plurality of protruding ridges 118distributed about an outer circumference 120 of rearward portion 114. Insome embodiments, gripping structure 116 may be alternatively, oradditionally, disposed about forward portion 112. In this example,gripping structure is located on rearward portion 114 to decrease theouter diameter of forward portion 112, while providing the user theability to grip outer shell 108 at a location farther away from thepoint of attachment (not shown) at the CPE, where space may be morelimited, and it may be more difficult to place human fingers easilyaround forward portion 112 when attaching to the CPE.

In an exemplary embodiment, rearward portion 114 of outer sleeve 108further includes a rearward inner diameter 122 configured to be slightlylarger than an outer diameter 124 of F-connector 102. That is, rearwardinner diameter 122 of torque sleeve 100, at rearward portion 114, issized to be larger than the largest outer dimension of F-connector 102,which will typically be from hex nut 104. In at least one embodiment,rearward inner diameter 122 of rearward portion 114 is not circularlycylindrical, but instead hexagonal along its length, such that theinternal dimension of rearward inner diameter 122 substantiallycorresponds to the external shape of hex nut 104, but slightly larger(e.g., similar to a socket wrench fitting), to securely surround hex nut104 within torque sleeve 100 (as shown in FIG. 1B), but preventsubstantial rotational wiggle of hex nut 104 with respect to torquesleeve 100.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary combination of torquesleeve 100 and F-connector 102, FIG. 1A. Specifically, the illustrationdepicted in FIG. 1B represents an operational implementation case oftorque sleeve 100 onto F-connector 102, hereinafter designated torquesleeve 100′ (and similarly for the respective components thereof), todistinguish this operational embodiment from the separated componentsdepicted in FIG. 1A for illustrative purposes. Structurally, torquesleeves 100 and 100′ are identical.

As depicted in FIG. 1B, when fully engaged on and around F-connector102′, torque sleeve 100′ may completely envelop F-connector 102′ withinouter sleeve 108′, and only cable 106′ is seen to protrude rearwardlyfrom torque sleeve 100′. In some cases though, F-connector 102′ may havea sufficient length such that a portion thereof may protrude rearwardlyfrom rearward portion 114′. As can be seen from the embodiment depictedin FIG. 1B, torque sleeve 100′ may be removably or fixedly attached toF-connector 102′. In at least one embodiment, torque sleeve 100′ may beintegrally formed with, or fixed onto F-connector 102′ prior toattachment of cable 106′ to F-connector 102′.

FIG. 2A is an alternative exploded perspective view of torque sleeve 100and F-connector 102, FIG. 1A. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A issubstantially similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, except thatthe embodiment of FIG. 2A is shown looking toward the rearwardperspective, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 1A is shown looking towardthe forward perspective. Looking toward the rearward perspective seen inFIG. 2A, forward portion 112 is shown to include a forward innerdiameter 200 at the forward end of torque sleeve 100. In the exemplaryembodiment, forward inner diameter 200 corresponds to an outer shape ofa collar portion 202 of F-connector 102 that extends forward of hex nut104, except that forward inner diameter 200 will be slightly larger thancollar portion 202.

In the example depicted in FIG. 2A, forward inner diameter 200 andcollar portion 202 are about the circular. However, in some F-connectordevices, the rotatable hex nut thereof extends all of the way forward.That is, some F-connectors do not include a forward collar beyond thehex nut. In such cases, forward inner diameter 200 of torque sleeve 100may have a hexagonal shape to correspond to the relevant shape of hexnut 104, and similar to the internal shape of rearward internal diameter122, FIG. 1A. In at least one embodiment, forward internal diameter 200and rearward internal diameter 122 have the same internal dimension,which may be continuous throughout the internal length of torque sleeve100.

FIG. 2B is perspective view of an exemplary combination of torque sleeve100 and F-connector 102, FIG. 2A. Specifically, the illustrationdepicted in FIG. 2B represents an operational implementation case oftorque sleeve 100′ onto F-connector 102′, similar to the operationalembodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, but seen looking toward the rearwardperspective.

As depicted in FIG. 2B, in an exemplary embodiment, when fully engagedon and around F-connector 102′, the forwardmost portion of forward innerdiameter 200′ of torque sleeve 100′ is substantially flush with theforwardmost portion of collar portion 202′ F-connector 102′. In someembodiments, collar portion 202′ may protrude more forwardly than theforwardmost portion of torque sleeve 100′ when fully engaged, such as inthe case of narrow or hard-to-reach threaded posts of a CPE, junctionbox, splitter, etc.

FIG. 3 is a disassembled side view of an exemplary torque sleeve 300.Torque sleeve 300 is similar to torque sleeve 100, FIG. 1A, in severalstructural respects, and similarly includes a generally cylindricalouter shell 302 having two substantially symmetrical shell halves 304 aand 304 b, a forward portion 306, and a rearward portion 308. Torquesleeve 300 further includes an internal torque subassembly 310. Internaltorque subassembly 310 includes a slip ring 312, a torque ring 314, anda torque spring 316.

In an exemplary embodiment, slip ring 312 is generally cylindrical, andincludes an outer ring circumference 318, an outer disc portion 320 thatis slightly larger than outer ring circumference 318, and a plurality ofslip teeth 322 arranged in a substantially sawtooth pattern facingtorque ring 314. In a similar manner, torque ring 314 includes aplurality of torque teeth 324 also arranged in a substantially sawtoothpattern facing slip ring 312, and configured to matingly engage withslip teeth 322 to form a substantially continuous body about outer ringcircumference 318 when so engaged. In the exemplary embodiment, torquering 314 further includes a plurality of ring protrusions 326 extendingradially from torque ring 314, and past outer ring circumference 318.

In a complementary fashion, outer shell 302 includes an inner shellcircumference 328 sized to be slightly larger than outer ringcircumference 318 of slip ring 312, such that slip ring 312 may freelyrotate about a longitudinal axis (not shown) within inner shellcircumference 328. Inner shell circumference 328 includes a shell groove330 sized to receive outer disc portion 320 when torque sleeve 300 isfully assembled. In an exemplary embodiment, shell groove 330 isconfigured to allow free radial rotation of outer disc portion 320 aboutthe longitudinal axis, but prevent axial movement of slip ring 312 inthe forward or rearward directions.

Inner shell circumference 328 further includes a plurality of shellslots 332 disposed evenly about inner shell circumference 328. In theexemplary embodiment, the number of shell slots 332 corresponds to thenumber of ring protrusions 326 disposed about torque ring 314, and eachof the respective ring protrusions 326 is sized to be engaginglyreceived by at least one corresponding shell slot 332. In an embodiment,shell slots 332 are sized to prevent radial movement of ring protrusions326 about the longitudinal axis. In the exemplary embodiment, shellslots 332 further include a slot axial length 334 that is sized to allowlimited axial movement of ring protrusions 326 in the forward andrearward directions. In at least one embodiment, slot axial length 334is slightly larger than the combination of a size of a ring protrusion326 and a compression distance of torque spring 316 (described furtherbelow).

In some embodiments, rearward portion 308 of torque sleeve 300 furtherincludes a plurality of internal tension prongs 336 disposed evenlyabout inner shell circumference 328. Internal tension prongs 336 areconfigured to be substantially immovable toward a rearmost portion ofouter shell 302, where internal tension prongs 336 do not inwardlyextend farther than a rearward inner diameter 338 of rearward portion308. Toward forward portion 306 though, internal tension prongs 336 areconfigured to be pliable, and provide tension force against anF-connector and/or cable inserted within torque sleeve 300 (describedfurther below with respect to FIG. 5B) at respective prong contactpoints 340 of each internal tension prong 336.

FIG. 4A is a partial cutaway perspective view of an exemplary internalstructure 400 of torque sleeve 300, FIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment,internal structure 400 includes internal torque subassembly 310. Theembodiment depicted in FIG. 4A represents a case of torque sleeve 300 atoperational rest. That is no rotational force is applied thereto. In therest position, torque spring 316 is to press torque ring 314 againstslip ring 312 such that the respective teeth thereof matingly engagewith one another, and such that ring protrusions 326 are at aforwardmost position 402 along slot axial length 334 of respective shellslots 332.

FIG. 4B depicts an operational structural configuration of internalstructure 400, FIG. 4A. Specifically, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4Billustrates relative movement of individual elements of torque sleeve300′ and internal structure 400′ in relation to one another uponapplication of a rotational torque in radial direction R about a centralaxis 404 that is located along the virtual central length of torquesleeve 300′.

In exemplary operation, application of a rotational torque to outershell 302′ of torque sleeve 300′, in radial direction R, will causesimilar rotation of torque ring 314′ in radial direction R from theradial force of shell slots 332′ applied radially against ringprotrusions 326′. Prior to reaching a predetermined torque value, theangled portions of torque teeth 324′ push against opposing angledportions of slip teeth 322′ to effectively rotate slip ring 312′together with the rotation of torque ring 314′. Continued application ofrotational torque to torque sleeve 300′ after the predetermined torquevalue has been reached or exceeded, however, will cause the respectiveteeth 322′, 324′ to push away from each other in the axial direction A.Because axial movement of slip ring 312′ is prevented, excessive torquewill cause torque spring 316′ to compress, and torque ring 314′ to pushrearwardly away from slip ring 312′ in the axial direction A until thepeaks of the respective teeth meet one another.

In the fully extended rotational position illustrated in FIG. 4B, ringprotrusions 326′ can be seen to be disposed at a rearwardmost position406 along slot axial length 334′ of respective shell slots 332′. Thespring force of compressed torque spring 316′ will then function to pushtorque ring 314′ in the forward axial direction A to fully reengage withslip ring 312′. Continued rotational torque of torque spring in thismanner may make an audible indication (e.g., “clicking” sound) and thatthe desired amount of torque has been applied to attach the respectiveconnector. In the opposite rotational direction, however, the respectivevertical portions of opposing teeth 322′, 324′ prevent any slippagebetween rings 312′ and 314′, thereby allowing the end user to easilydetach the respective connector from a CPE threading even after thedesired torque amount has been reached. More particularly, theinnovative sawtooth pattern of the respective rings only allows forunidirectional slippage to prevent over-torquing, thereby solving theproblems presented by conventional torque application devices.

FIG. 5A is an exploded sectional view of torque sleeve 300, FIG. 3, andF-connector 102, FIG. 1A. More particularly, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5A is substantially similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A,except for the addition of F-connector 102 attached to cable 106. In theexemplary embodiment, rearward inner diameter 338 is sized to beslightly larger than the largest width of F-connector 102 (e.g., largerthan hex nut 104) such that torque sleeve 300 may be easily slipped ontoF-connector 102. In an exemplary embodiment, prong contact points 340 ofinternal tension prongs 336 extend inwardly such that the radialdistance between two opposing prong contact points 340 will be less thanthe largest width of F-connector 102, such that insertion of F-connector102 past prong contact points 340 will create a spring-like tensionwithin internal tension prongs 336 in a direction perpendicular to theforward and rearward axial directions.

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of an exemplary combination of torque sleeve300 and F-connector 102, FIG. 5A. More particularly, the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5B illustrates an operational configuration whereF-connector 102′ is fully inserted within torque sleeve 300′. In anexemplary embodiment, torque sleeve 300′ and/or F-connector 102′ oursized such that full insertion of F-connector 102′ into torque sleeve300′ will enable the entirety of F-connector 102′ to be disposed forwardof prong contact points 340′. In an exemplary embodiment, insertion ofthe entirety of F-connector 102′ past prong contact points 340′ willcause prong contact points 340′ to spring back toward cable 106′ with anaudible “click.” In at least one embodiment, prong contact points 340are configured to restrict axial movement of F-connector 102′ in theforward/rearward directions, but allow an end user to easily separatetorque sleeve 300′ from F-connector 102′ upon application of areasonable amount of axial force pulling one of the respectivecomponents away from the other.

FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled perspective view of an alternativetorque sleeve 600 and an F-connector 602. Torque sleeve 600 is similarin many respects to torque sleeve 100, FIG. 1A, and torque sleeve 300,FIG. 3, and similar components thereof that are designated with the samelabels may be considered to perform similar respective functionality.F-connector 602 may be considered to be substantially similar toF-connector 102, FIG. 1A.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, torque sleeve 600 is shown to bedisposed with respect to F-connector 602 attached to a cable 604.Similar to the embodiments described above, torque sleeve 600 includes agenerally cylindrical outer shell 608 having two substantiallysymmetrical shell halves 608 a, 608 b, a forward portion 610, and arearward portion 612. Torque sleeve 600 further includes an internaltorque subassembly 613. Internal torque subassembly 613 includes a slipring 614, a torque ring 616, and a torque spring 618.

Slip ring 614 is generally cylindrical, and includes an outer discportion 620 and a plurality of slip teeth 622 arranged in asubstantially sawtooth pattern facing torque ring 616. In a similarmanner, torque ring 616 includes a plurality of torque teeth 624 alsoarranged in a substantially sawtooth pattern facing slip ring 614, andconfigured to matingly engage with slip teeth 622 to form asubstantially continuous structure when so engaged. Torque ring 616further includes a plurality of ring protrusions 626 extending radiallytherefrom.

Also similar to the embodiments described above, outer shell 606includes a shell groove 628 sized to receive outer disc portion 620 whentorque sleeve 600 is fully assembled, and includes internal torquesubassembly 613. Outer shell 606 further includes a plurality of shellslots 630 and a plurality of internal tension prongs 632 disposed evenlytherein. Each of internal tension prongs 632 includes a respective prongcontact point 340 extending inwardly toward the central axis (not shownin FIG. 6) of torque sleeve 600. Torque sleeve 600 is not illustrated toinclude an external gripping structure. Nevertheless, an externalgripping structure may be included on outer sleeve 606 if desired.

The exemplary embodiments described herein provide an innovative torquesleeve that, when installed about an F-connector, the slip ring thereofmay be configured to fit over the hex nut of the F-connector that isused to tighten the F-connector to the respective CPE. The respectiveopposing teeth on the slip ring and torque ring have a sawtoothconfiguration that enables the teeth to engage in both rotationaldirections with the aid of the torque spring. The torque spring enablesthe slip ring and torque ring to remain in close contact when“tightening” the hex nut, until a desired torque has been achieved. Oncethe desired torque has been achieved, the torque ring will slide backagainst the spring to allow the outer shell and torque ring to turnwithout turning the slip ring.

Moreover, the innovative sawtooth shape of the opposing ring teethfurther enables the slip ring and torque ring to remain in contact,without slipping, under essentially any torque pressure, which isparticularly desirable in the field, since many connectors typicallyrequire removal of some torque as time passes. The conventional torqueapplication devices, however, are unable to accommodate thisrequirement. In contrast, the present devices, systems, and methodsallow for relatively easy “unscrewing” of the hex nut of an F-connectorat any time, and by hand. Many conventional torque application devicesare single-use devices only; many such conventional devices must bephysically removed (e.g., and thereby destroyed) from the respectiveconnector before the connector may be detached from the CPE. Incontrast, the torque sleeve embodiments described herein are capable ofmultiple uses on the same connection, or may be easily removed from oneconnection to be used to attach another.

Accordingly, the present embodiments advantageously allow a consumer tosafely, repeatedly, and properly install/reinstall an F-connecter to thecorrect torque. Implementation of the present devices, systems, andmethods will therefore result in a significant risk reduction ofinterfering signals onto a cable plant from improper torquing of aconnector, and thus improving the overall performance of the equipment,while also reducing the need for a technician to respond to troublecalls that are based on loose or damaged connections. The unique designconfigurations of the present embodiments thereby eliminate the need fora ranch or other special tools to remove in the attached F-connector,which advantageously allows the typical consumer (who generally does nothave such special tools) to easily disconnect and reconnect their ownCPE equipment without damaging the equipment, the F-connector, or thecable. The elegant design of the present embodiments further representsa simplified hardware construction, in comparison with conventionaldevices, which may be included with the packaging of many commercial CPEdevices, and without significantly increasing the cost of such devicesto the consumer.

Exemplary embodiments of torque sleeves and related systems and methodsare described above in detail. The systems and methods of thisdisclosure though, are not limited to only the specific embodimentsdescribed herein, but rather, the components and/or steps of theirimplementation may be utilized independently and separately from othercomponents and/or steps described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this convention is forconvenience purposes and ease of description only. In accordance withthe principles of the disclosure, a particular feature shown in adrawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with features ofthe other drawings.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mating a connector with astructure, the apparatus comprising: an outer shell of a torque sleeve,the outer shell forming an interior; an internal torque subassemblydisposed in the interior of the outer shell of the torque sleeve; and aunidirectional tooth mechanism of the internal torque subassemblyincluding a plurality of teeth, the unidirectional tooth mechanismconfigured to provide unidirectional slippage, the unidirectionalslippage preventing a threshold torque from being exceeded in a firstrotational direction while preventing slippage in a second rotationaldirection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal torquesubassembly includes a slip ring and a torque ring, the plurality ofteeth including a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality ofteeth, the first plurality of teeth disposed on the slip ring and thesecond plurality of teeth disposed on the torque ring.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the first plurality of teeth is oriented in a firstaxial direction of the torque sleeve and the second plurality of teethis oriented in a second axial direction of the torque sleeve.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the first axial direction is opposite thesecond axial direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slipring is biased towards the torque ring.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: at least one axial movement inhibiting structure toprevent axial movement of a portion of the internal torque subassembly.7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the portion of the internal torquesubassembly is permitted to freely rotate about a longitudinal axiswithin the outer shell.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:at least one radial movement inhibiting structure to prevent radialmovement of a portion of the internal torque subassembly about alongitudinal axis.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the portion ofthe internal torque subassembly is permitted to move in at least oneaxial direction.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector isan F-type connector and the structure is a customer premises equipmentdevice.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector isintegrated with the torque sleeve.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe torque sleeve is separate from and configured to receive theconnector.
 13. A method for mating a connector with a structure, themethod comprising: receiving a connector in a first portion of an outershell of a torque sleeve; receiving a structure in a second portion ofthe outer shell of the torque sleeve; connecting the connector to thestructure by translating a torque on the outer shell to an internaltorque subassembly, the internal torque subassembly tightening theconnector to the structure in a first rotational direction; andpreventing a threshold torque from being exceeded in the firstrotational direction by providing unidirectional slippage using aunidirectional tooth mechanism of the internal torque subassembly, theunidirectional tooth mechanism including a plurality of teeth.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: preventing slippage in a secondrotational direction using the unidirectional tooth mechanism, thesecond rotational direction disconnecting the connector from thestructure.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the internal torquesubassembly includes a slip ring and a torque ring, the plurality ofteeth including a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality ofteeth, the first plurality of teeth disposed on the slip ring and thesecond plurality of teeth disposed on the torque ring.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the first plurality of teeth is oriented in a firstaxial direction of the torque sleeve and the second plurality of teethis oriented in a second axial direction of the torque sleeve.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the first axial direction is opposite thesecond axial direction.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:biasing the slip ring towards the torque ring.
 19. The method of claim13, further comprising: preventing axial movement of a portion of theinternal torque subassembly using at least one axial movement inhibitingstructure.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: permittingthe portion of the internal torque subassembly to freely rotate about alongitudinal axis within the outer shell.
 21. The method of claim 13,further comprising: preventing radial movement of a portion of theinternal torque subassembly about a longitudinal axis using at least oneradial movement inhibiting structure.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising: permitting the portion of the internal torquesubassembly to move in at least one axial direction.
 23. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the connector is received in the first portion priorto the structure being received in the second portion.